Looking back on a year in office

1:50pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

DROITWICH Spa's outgoing mayor, Councillor Richard Morris, has reflected on his year in office and thanked all those that have helped him during an eventful period for the town.

It was decided at Monday's town council meeting that Councillor Glenise Noyes will now replace Cllr Morris as town mayor.

“Being elected town mayor of Droitwich Spa for the second time in three years was a very proud moment for me."

Councillor Richard Morris

"Being elected town mayor of Droitwich Spa for the second time in three years was a very proud moment for me and my mother, the mayoress, Dorothy Morris," said Cllr Morris.

The opportunity to serve again was presented to Cllr Morris after the deputy mayor, Cllr John Cook, stood down due to ill health.

In the last year he has overseen the town's recovery from the summer floods, hosted a royal visit, celebrated the opening of Droitwich Spa's Lido, and attended many public events and raised cash for charity.

"On becoming mayor I was keen to continue in a similar vein to my previous term. The year though has somewhat been dominated by the summer flood on July 20, 2007, when 98mm of rainfall - over twice the average July rainfall, fell in one day. Fifty-two commercial properties in the High Street and Queen Street area and the leisure centre were flooded, as well as 42 residential areas, causing turmoil to all those involved.

"All have now moved back into their properties and most retailers are trading again."

Cllr Morris helped organise a royal visit to the town by the Earl of Wessex, which was set up to recognise Droitwich Spa Rugby Club - which has well over 250 young members - and all those affected by the flood.

"What a privilege it was to escort the earl down our High Street meeting as many traders as possible. The earl was very interested to hear everyone's story," he added.

Cllr Morris thanked Sandy Laird, president of Droitwich Rotary Club, and David Jepson, president of the town's Lions Club, along with members of Rotary and Lions for all their support.

"On a more positive note the Lido opened on June 18 and, in what was an awful summer, saw over 26,500 visitors," he said.

"We need to thank SALT (Save a Lido Today) and the people of Droitwich for ensuring that we have this great amenity, but also Wychavon for its vision in developing a 21st century concept."

During his year in office Cllr Morris named the Air Cadets, Army Cadets and Worcestershire Young Carers as his chosen charities.

He said: "As I finish as mayor I will be looking to carry out my town and Wychavon District Council duties, effectively supporting my ward, supporting younger people through my chairmanship of the Droitwich Area Youth Action Group and continue my charity work - as well as my full-time day job.

"I would like to thank my very special mayoress who has supported me so well and given her time and energy to serving Droitwich Spa.

"I wish the new mayor a happy and memorable year ahead," he added.

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